Covid survivor who spent two months in hospital set to take on marathon walk

Father-of-two Ian Hawkins was admitted to hospital on March 29 last year after developing symptoms and having breathing difficulties.

And within 24 hours he was placed on full ventilation and suffered pneumonia, sepsis, multiple-organ failure and a secondary bacterial infection.

Now, after recovering from the virus, the 58-year-old from Walsall is taking on a fundraising challenge to raise money for the Critical Care Rehabilitation Team.

He said: "I found it really helped me to set goals during my recovery. Those goals may only have been small to start with, walking to the kitchen for example.

"But then I’d build on those goals. I was able to return to work last summer and have managed to walk a distance of 15 miles now. Working with Walsall Healthcare’s Well Wishers charity we have organised a 26-mile sponsored walk starting from the hospital, going along the canal network to Chasewater and back to the hospital.

"We want to raise money for rehabilitation equipment that will help other patients – both Covid survivors and others who have been critically ill and need support.

"I have been supported by the hospital’s Critical Care Rehabilitation Team and in the community and the work they do to get you back living life as best you can is amazing."

Ian is now looking forward to the birth of his second grandchild later this year – with his first grandchild being born whilst he was in critical care. She was lifted up to the window of the unit so that he could see her.

And at one point Ian's bed was brought outside – when it was safe to do so – so he could see his beloved pet dog Indi. The father-of-two was discharged from the hospital on June 9 last year.

Ian, who owns his own domestic appliances business, added: "My goal is to walk all 26 miles and we will be joined by Walsall Healthcare staff but I’d like to invite others to join us too.

"They don’t need to do all 26 miles; people may want to join in for a couple of miles and it would be fantastic if former patients came along either to take part or cheer us on. There are pubs along the way and it would also be good to show our support for local businesses."

The walk is set for June 27 and more details can be found on Ian’s Just Giving page by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ian-hawkins-walsall-manor.

People and businesses who wish to get involved in the charity event, contact fundraising manager Georgie Westley on 01922 656643 or email Georgie.Westley@walsallhealthcare.nhs.uk.